Virginia Beach Fishing Report

Kings are showing!

Our fall fishing pattern is right around the corner, but don’t dismiss the summer favorites yet. Intercepting them as they prepare to depart can provide great action.

The most exciting news at the oceanfront is the start of what is hopefully an incredible king mackerel run. September is Virginia’s peak king mackerel season. Smoker kings have already been landed.

Ribbonfish

Spanish mackerel, bluefish and ribbonfish trolling remains productive. The spanish mackerel are still chasing trolled spoons off the Virginia Beach oceanfront.

Cobia will prepare to head south soon and offer outstanding top water action as they do. Several boats reported cobia exceeding 50-pounds last week. The Virginia cobia season closes September 15th. Don’t forget your VMRC reporting requirements.

Slot Red Drum

Big red drum are still roaming about the lower Bay and around the shoals of the barrier islands. It is time for reds to begin showing more around the artificial islands of the CBBT. Fresh cut bait and live bait work well for this area. A northerly blow in September will jump start some drum surf fishing action.

Flounder catches are improving along the coast and throughout the lower bay. Look for them around the CBBT pilons, near the rocks that cover the tunnels and around coastal reefs and wrecks. Many are caught around the jetties at Rudee and Little Creek.

Buoys and wrecks are holding triggerfish and spadefish.

Tagging Specks

Speckled trout, puppy drum, spot and croacker are inside the inlets. Trout are available along the Poquoson Flats and in bay-side creeks of the Eastern Shore.

Surf fisherman and those fishing off the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier are catching spot and some croaker, sea mullet, ribbonfish, sand perch and flounder. Red drum, puppy drum, speckled trout and cobia are also a possibility.

Billfish release flags are showing up around Rudee Inlet! The 19th Annual Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament is taking place August 24-27. You can follow the action at  https://vbbt.com/ 

Until next week, remember to book a VBSF sponsor and send us your pictures for our next report.

RUDEE INLET CHARTER BOATS